KZN shuts major route as heavy snowfall strands communities
Heavy snowfall linked to a cut-off low-pressure system has forced the closure of the R617 between Swartberg and Underberg, with KwaZulu-Natal authorities warning motorists to delay travel as communities in some affected areas face distress.
KwaZulu-Natal has closed a major road as heavy snowfall disrupts travel in southern regions. KwaZulu-Natal's Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma announced Sunday that the R617 between Swartberg and Underberg remains shut, urging motorists to avoid the route due to ongoing snowfall. The province's snowfall response plan was activated as adverse weather conditions persist across several districts.
Road Traffic Inspectorate teams monitor conditions on major routes, executing the response plan swiftly, and closing roads as necessary. Motorists traveling towards Kokstad are advised to delay their trips, while hazardous driving conditions persist on other major routes, including the N2 between Kokstad and Beestekraal and the N3 between Mooi River and Midway.
Authorities caution against "snow chasing" and emphasize the need for motorists to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances, and postpone non-essential travel. Human Settlements teams are assisting affected communities, and road maintenance crews work to prevent snow build-up on critical routes.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
